Agenda Profile: Mart Maastik
Inquiry Regarding the Involvement of Interest Groups (no. 656)
2024-11-18
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fourth Session, Plenary Session
Political Position
The political stance is strongly oppositional, focusing on criticizing the government’s failures in economic policy and budgeting. The primary emphasis is placed on procedural flaws, specifically the exclusion of business organizations from decision-making, and on raising taxes during an economic recession, which is leading Estonia toward disaster. The policy framing is aimed at highlighting the government's poor performance and failure to deliver on promises (instead of the promised 10% in savings, only 1% has been identified).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the economy, the budget, and state-owned enterprises (Nordica, Auvere), backing up claims with specific figures and historical comparisons. Energy policy (offshore wind farms, fixed electricity tariffs) and transport sector regulations are covered in particularly great detail. He/She stresses the necessity of learning from past errors, citing the execution of the Auvere and Nordica projects as prime examples.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical, sharp, and at times ironic, especially when addressing the Prime Minister. Strong and judgmental expressions are used, such as "political broilers," "rotten to the core," and "the green bubble." The appeals themselves are a mix of logical economic criticism (tax increases during a downturn) and emotional disappointment over the government’s inaction and lack of willingness to engage.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in parliamentary interpellations to the Riigikogu and points to repeated appearances at the podium, particularly on the subject of energy policy. They repeatedly mention having organized meetings with entrepreneurs, which indicates active engagement with interest groups outside of Parliament.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary target is the government and the prime minister, who are sharply criticized both for political decisions (tax hikes) and procedural failures (failing to involve entrepreneurs). Criticism is also aimed at the management of major projects (Auvere, Nordica), which is seen as activity that is "rotten to the core" and involves "obfuscation." The opposition is intense and policy-driven.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker supports the opposition parties (Isamaa, Centre Party, EKRE) finding common ground in opposing the government’s economic policy. They emphasize that achieving consensus in the Riigikogu is crucial and criticize the prime minister’s ironic attitude toward cross-party cooperation.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is on Saaremaa, where the planning of power lines associated with offshore wind farms is being criticized. He/She warns that this will pollute the environment and destroy Saaremaa's reputation as an island known for its pristine nature.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic views strongly favor entrepreneurship, stressing that business is the foundation of the economy and that the views of entrepreneurs must be taken into account. They are categorically opposed to raising taxes and excise duties during an economic recession, arguing that such measures would lead to a loss of Estonia's competitiveness. They support the historic elimination of corporate income tax and criticize the government's failure to deliver the promised budget cuts.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on criticizing existing regulations (such as the ban on stopping in the transport sector) and major projects (Nordica, Auvere), and demanding their termination or reorganization. Emphasis is placed on the need to consider proposals from businesses that are not financially burdensome to the state, and the adoption of laws without considering reasonable arguments is criticized.
3 Speeches Analyzed